Sunday, 31 August 2008

...that I may just make it through this year with some good performances. This morning I ran unconvincingly (I THOUGHT!) at Blewitts in the monthly ACT Masters handicap run over 3.5k, but the time was fast, a whole minute quicker than last year. Even that was not good enough for a place on handicap, but that's because I started last, with Ken, and am due to be put further back is my guess. I can only be happy with that.

Miranda is improving rapidly and had a great win in the 7k.

The rain fell all night; stopped as we started the run this morning; started again after we had finished and packed up. Perfect timing!

If you are in Canberra there is absolutely no reason to run by yourself, alone, any day. Tomorrow, meet us at Parliament House at 5:30pm. It's free; it's fun; it's always on, rain or shine! But tomorrow's forecast is for the rain to have cleared. Looks good! Spring is here at last!

Saturday, 30 August 2008

I am not an early riser - I believe the early worm gets eaten by the bird - and will only get up before 8am if I have to meet someone for a morning run or race. So I was a bit annoyed this morning when someone who's got my number rang twice before 7am today. And it was one of these deranged people who live on another planet and wanted to debate my wife about "what you said to me on Sunday". My wife wasn't even there where they were on Sunday, let alone having ever said anything to this person! Ho hum, the delights of knowing lots of people.

And today is Saturday! Sleep in, you silly people.

Meanwhile, back on planet Earth:

Flashduck: A new picture and two old ones:

Flashduck is spending three months living it up in Vietnam. You can read all about it on her blog!

Flasher Duck

And what do all you experts make of this?

Some people seem to think records should be broken only "in an orderly fashion", bit by bit. I say, limits are all in the mind!

Thursday, 28 August 2008

"I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together."See how they runlike pigs from a gun, see how they fly."

Until today, no-one knew what the words to “I am the Walrus” meant! Now I can reveal all, it is about us, the speedygeese – see how they run see how they fly!! Hang on, pigs from a gun? Sorry, it appears to be about speedypigs. Not us at all, some other fast running group.

Semolina Pilchard

Dunrossil Drive, running a 4.2k, me & Lynne

Elementary penguin

Whether we call ourselves pigs, penguins, or geese, we all enjoy outdoor activity!

Now to the “debate”: Are we Masters or are we Veterans? My personal view.

The loudest opposition to our name change comes from about four people inside the ACTVAC, while there is universal acceptance from outside the club. This is good, because the name change is all about promotion, recruitment, community recognition.

The loudest complaints (from these four) say that the club should continue to exist as it is for the sake of the oldest members of the club who set it up this way; that people might confuse us with the Masters Games, an organisation with which we want no part, and the word “Masters” means “male” so is anti-female.

(a) The notion that the word “Masters” is sexist is nonsense, “Masters” has many meanings and to pretend otherwise is really just ignorance or stupidity.

(b) The notion that there is something evil about the Masters Games is also nonsense. While the standard of athletics in Masters Games events is not always as high as in our Masters events, Masters Games are generally good fun and worth attending. But whatever one’s opinion of Masters Games, we have no affiliation nor connection with them, and any discussion about us becoming part of the Masters Games is simply irrelevant.

(c) The suggestion that Masters Athletics should really be for people much older than 30 (and therefore why should we want to attract more younger members) is a suggestion I find insulting and not worth debating.

So re-iterating why we need to change our name from Veterans to Masters.

(a) In making the change, we become, in the eyes of non-members, part of the larger Masters movement, which has wide acceptance and recognition. Were we to stay as Veterans, we risk being marginalised and seen by the world at large as an inward looking self sufficient group happily doing our own thing.

(b) Masters is the recognised name; anyone at all who does not know us and is wanting to connect to Masters or seeks to join us would not be sure who the “Vets” actually are. Remember that our national body to whom we ARE affiliated, and ALL the state bodies who are also affiliated, moved to “Masters” some time ago and it is only we who decided to stay as we were. These state bodies include the ones who like us opposed the change originally, but when the change to AMA was made, did the sensible thing and changed their own names in line with everyone else.

(c) Because we recognise that 30 year olds and over are part of our club and value them as much, equally with, 70 year olds, we need to have an identity that is contemporary, not one that only dwells in the past. Names are important. And a name that identifies us these days as “quirky” or “anachronistic” may not be a good choice. “Masters” is the only option now.

I don’t think anyone has suggested that we are just after “numbers” but I still want to make it clear that we are not after “numbers”, it is people from the community who we are seeking and who we wish to see involved in our sport. We do have a “wonderful product”, as our first President Peter Frylink quoted, and we do want to share this with as many people as possible.

When people get to Masters age, they might consider giving up sport for other things. We would like the people of our nation at thirty and beyond to take up sport, or continue with sport, and develop their skills and fitness so as to become happier and healthier citizens the longer they participate. Masters Sport, and within that Masters Athletics, is the perfect place for that to happen. It is not just for us who are already in it; it is for them too who are not yet part of it.

To make it clear who we are, the name “ACT MASTERS ATHLETIC CLUB INC.” should do the trick. ACTVAC becomes ACTMAC. Almost the same. Any problem with that? Work on changes to our constitution, to be put to next May’s AGM, will almost certainly proceed. And “only the name will change”.

This Sunday's Handicap: Message from Alan Duus: There has been a late change to Blewitts Pines to provide for overflow parking for the mountain bike event at Stromlo Forest Park this coming weekend. A new entrance track has been graded off Uriarra Rd. through our old start/finish area. Our parking area has been significantly improved by mowing and the rocky areas have been fenced-off. The small entrance/exit gate we previously used off Coppins Crossing Rd is now a continuous fence, and a more substantial entrance gate 100m to the north will be used as an exit onto Coppins Crossing Rd. That way all cars using the area will use separate gates for entrance and exit. Therefore all cars will enter off Uriarra Rd about 150m past the Coppins Crossing Rd turnoff. Please do not park on Uriarra Rd as there will be heavy vehicle traffic. We have changed our start/finish area and moved it about 75m down the hill. We will therefore park on the western side of the parking area near the start/finish area. But never fear – the courses have been extended to make up the full distances for both short and long courses. Alan.

Time Predictor: See How You Run Time predictors can only be approximate. You know yourself that someone you are well ahead of over 800m thrashes you over 10k, or vice versa. This is my best-guess predictor across the whole range of events from 800m to marathon. The best way of using this is to see how your best times (or your current times) fit on this table and determine from any outliers what distances you can improve in. You wouldn't necessarily be looking in the same row; you might see a "curve" of times. Just smooth the curve to get an idea of what you can do. And if in future one performance improves, you can see by how much other performances might. And if you are entering a new event, this can help with judging what pace to go at for distances you might not normally run.

For example, I have highlighted the row where I am at, approximately. But the 800m is a distance I haven't run for a long time. So when I next run it, that is the time I will aim for; 2:33. Whether I have the speed to achieve that, we will see.

Monday, 25 August 2008

...not entirely true, but a song title I had to use sometime! I'm a bit tired, perhaps you are too, with the Olympics having taken its toll, as we watched night after night medal attempts by Aussies (almost exclusively, although there were other countries competing, apparently) and the 1000th replay of any Aussie success. And exactly why did Prime replay the 4x400m relays in full while the men's marathon was on? At least I could fast forward that part, because I had recorded the marathon while running our half marathon and enjoying a perfect day in the sun! All in all the Olympics themselves were very inspiring. And now my TV can go back to the ABC, except I see "March of the Penguins" is on Win tonight, must be ratings time. And Nausicaa on SBS Wednesday. And Spiderman on Win Saturday. But back to the ABC, Dr Who on Sunday, part two of "Vashta Nerada", will be the real highlight. Part one last night was just amazing!

Here's to a full recovery this week, even if it has started off badly for you!

Some readers may associate with this. Happy Monday!

My training progresslast week’s target: n/aachieved: 84kyear 2008 total to date: 2819k in 34 weeksthis week's target: noneweight: 63kg ▼I will run the short handicap at Blewitts on Sunday. I have two previous runs over that course, both reasonably fast, so comparing times will be interesting.

Sunday, 24 August 2008

From the front page of the Canberra Times on 28 June 1976 (click to enlarge)

Who are the runners in the photo? Your mother might know! From left:Bernie MillettAlan DuusChris Catondon't rememberdon't rememberJack PenningtonGeoff Sims

In today's ACT Masters Half Marathon, age group winners among the speedygeese were Helen Larmour (W45), Charmaine Knobel (W55), and Rae Palmer (W60). In the M50s, Gary Bowen ran third. There was a large turn-out, about 180 or so finishers.

Helen and I cruising over Dunrossil Drive. We were on about 4:20s to 4:30s at that stage of the run.

I ran with Helen from 6k to 20k. The only reason I went ahead of her at 20k was to do a quick 400m burst so as to pass Jim White.

300th Ginninderra HandicapThis Tuesday the handicap reaches a milestone. It started in June 1983 and has been going almost every month since. Now it's turning 300. You may be interested in going along to be part of the event. There'll be extra prizes this month personally presented by their sponsors and the Chief Minister will be along to present the winner the trophy. To get a start time, be behind the LightHouse from 12:10pm onwards.

Off track.A possible day off today, I'll be back on track tomorrow! With a possible half marathon tempo run. Or not. Depends on Olympic fatigue, and weather. Next week all will be better.

Training Thursday were seven people, Alistair, Chris, Margaret, Miranda, Ruth, Tony and me. Because no-one who trained last week was there again this week (other than "me"), we repeated last week's session; ending up doing 9 or 10 laps of "straights".

Friday, 22 August 2008

The Masters Half Marathon this Sunday at Stage 88, Commonwealth Park, looks like featuring Stuart Doyle and Scott Imhoff racing head to head at the front of the fast group, both wanting very fast times to qualify them for a national team. There are three start times, 8:00 am, 8:30 am, 9;00 am. Given that most runners in the fast group catch almost no runners in the slow groups, it makes for a clear run for the fast runners. It does mean though that the slow group runners have to wait a while for the presentations.

FormI am rapt with my form at the moment. It’s not the times I am running – not at all, they are not exactly world beating – but I have achieved my main long term goal, I am running PAIN FREE and I am therefore enjoying my running and achieving my training objectives. Hurrah!

38 Happy Years

Today is our 38th wedding anniversary. Here is a recent photo of Jenny and I with a picture of my great great grandfather, David Alfred Ewers. Taken in Goolwa SA at a family reunion, I had just returned from a 21k run. Of course.

A very young Jodie

This photo has my daughter Monica (now Mon Hall) at Hawker Preschool with birthday cakes for her fifth birthday in 1981. A very young Jenny is standing behind her, and Mon's pre-school friends around her. One of the friends is Jodie Sims, not quite five! Two across from Mon, her right, your left, laughing. I just love the haircuts their mummies have given them!

Thursday, 21 August 2008

At the BBQ Stakes yesterday Helen and I ran well, in the wind and cold: Helen's time was 27.03, mine 25.05. Helen was "taking it easy" as she's running the half marathon this Sunday; but it was still her fastest time this year, considerably faster than her previous run where she won the handicap. Mine was 15 seconds slower than last week but 15 seconds faster than all the "consistent" times I had run in recent weeks. Unfortunately Helen tripped and fell on our cool down jog, but not much damage done, just the usual hands-and-knees scratches and scrapes, and she should be OK for the half marathon. "Just a flesh wound". But there's too much tripping happening again!

Run Away (obviously this must have a running theme to make this blog! But this also relates back to my rabbit joke of a few days ago.)

Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Aussie FlopI almost dread opening the newspaper each day to see how the Olympics is going. Why do the journalists repeat the ignorance and prejudice of the community at large and call failures what are brilliant performances? The very best athlete in Australia may come "only" 11th in this world championship, and they are supposed to be ashamed and heartbroken because of it and beg our forgiveness? "Aussie flop" heads the article which starts off "the lack of depth in Australian men's Olympic triathlon was brutally exposed yesterday with their worst result in three games." This is pathetic incompetent journalism at its very worst; that is what is being exposed here. The triathletes in question were "only" 11th and 16th.

But there is probably not a lot we can do about it.

Well I may write a letter or two to the Canberra Times. Not complaining: exhorting people to exercise. But I fear the sedentary classes are largely unreachable; there is plenty of evidence in the articles and the letter columns of our newspapers that most Aussies are complacent fools, happy to sit and criticise and eat their junk foods sold to them shamelessly in advertisements during sporting events and watch their kiddies "fail" for a few years before telling them they should stop trying as they won't ever be "the best".

Baby Sitting

This bird might fly backif we sit on the cat.

(Which are not lines from the Beatles' "Norwegian Wood - This Bird Has Flown")Emma we miss you already.

(footnote: I am not sure exactly what day she is leaving, it may be a little while yet. But hey, whatever ...)

Monday training was another very good 5x600m session, enjoyed by Alan, Amanda, Ewen, Gary, me, Helen, Joel, Kathy, Katie, Ken, Maria, Mick C, Rae, Ruth & Yelena. It tried to rain & hail and there was a strong easterly an hour before the session, but once we were out there it was fine and calm and not too cold. We enjoyed a celebratory champagne with Helen afterwards.

If you haven’t registered for the 2008 Canberra Times Family Fun Run and Walk on Sunday, September 14, this is a reminder to let you know that registrations close on Friday, August 22. Enter online now at www.canberratimesfunrun.com.au. Note: they will not be taking late entries!!!

I think I have now decided, I cannot make up my mind, I still might be a late entry this Sunday for the ACT Masters Half Marathon, it would be tempting to tag along at the back of the fast group and enjoy a longer training run. Having set the video to record the men's marathon.

And now for those who have had their fill of running, something completely different.

A rabbit walks into a pub and says to the barman "Can I have a pint of beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie?" The barman is amazed but gives the rabbit a pint of beer and a ham and cheese toastie. The rabbit drinks the beer and eats the toastie, he then leaves.

The following night the rabbit returns and again asks for a Pint of Beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie. The barman, now intrigued by the rabbit and the extra drinkers in the pub (because word gets round) gives the rabbit the pint and the toastie. The rabbit consumes them and leaves.

The next night, the pub is packed, in walks the rabbit and says "A pint of beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie, please barman". The crowd is hushed as the barman gives the rabbit his pint and toastie and then burst into applause as the rabbit wolfs them down.

The next night there is standing room only in the pub, coaches have been laid on for the crowds of patrons attending, the barman is making more money in one week than he did all last year. In walks the rabbit and says, "A Pint of Beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie, please barman", smiling and accepting the tributes of the masses. The barman says, "I'm sorry rabbit, old mate, old mucker but we are right out of them Ham and Cheese Toasties".

The rabbit looks aghast, the crowd has quietened to almost a whisper, when the barman clears his throat nervously and says, "We do have a very nice Cheese and Onion Toastie". The rabbit looks him in the eye and says, "Are you sure I will like it?" The masses bated breath is ear shatteringly silent. The barman, with a roguish smile says "Do you think that I would let down one of my best friends, I know you'll love it".

"Ok" says the rabbit,"

I'll have a Pint of Beer and a Cheese and Onion Toastie". The pub erupts with glee as the rabbit quaffs the beer and guzzles the toastie, he then waves to the crowd and leaves.... never to return!

One year later in the now impoverished public house, the barman (who has only served 4 drinks tonight, 3 of which were his) calls time. When he is cleaning down the now empty bar, he sees a small white form, floating above the bar. The barman says, "Who are you" To which he is answered, "I am the ghost of the rabbit that used to frequent your public house".

The barman says, "I remember you, you made me famous, you would come in every night and have a Pint of Beer and a Ham and Cheese Toastie, masses came to see you and this place was famous" The rabbit says, "Yes I know". The barman said, "I remember, on your last night we didn't have any Ham and Cheese Toasties, you had a Cheese and Onion one instead" The rabbit said "Yes, you promised me that I would love it". The barman said "You never came back, what happened?"

"I died", said the Rabbit.

"No!" said the barman, "what from".

After a short pause. The rabbit said "Mixin'-me-toasties."

Sunday, 17 August 2008

You: Tears in HeavenPCRG friend and top person Tesso ran the City to Surf with a 2.5cm tear in her calf! Obviously she is having a few easy weeks now as it repairs, or at least I hope she is. But great news for Tesso recently, she received the first ever PCRG life membership!! Congratulations.

Good form! I hope to join Pat Carroll's running group (PCRG) when I visit Brisbane in September/October this year. And hope that some of their star quality rubs off on me.

Emma's Farewell

Happy Party-goers at last night's celebration. All Emma's friends have star quality.